Keyes To Health, Dr. Warren Keyes

World Spine Day! New Free Posture Phone APP

2014-10-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

How many hours a day do you spend sitting? Reading, using computers, driving, watching TV —all that sitting adds up, especially if you have poor posture. Did you know that lower back pain and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions account for one third of missed work in Canada?

It’s time to Straighten Up Canada and improve your spinal health!

Canada’s chiropractors have developed an app for that. Straighten Up Canada is a FREE, easy-to-perform posture program that you can use in just three minutes a day. It’s the only free Canadian app specifically designed and completely dedicated to improving posture and spinal health.

The Straighten Up Canada program can be practised almost anywhere and is a great warm up, cool down, stand-alone routine or ergonomic break.

Good posture will help you to:

Look and feel even better than you already do,
Prevent back aches and muscle pains,
Decrease wear and tear on your joints,
Use less energy for daily tasks, and
Increase your spine’s flexibility and resilience.

Straighten Up Canada app features:

12 unique posture exercises
Adult and youth exercise options
Easy to follow Image stills and video content
Tracking function
- Set personal reminders
- Track your progress

Share your posture exercise progress with friends through social media
Learn about your back and common back-related problems
Find a Chiropractor in your area quickly and easily
Read the latest blog posts on MSK health

CANADA’S CHIROPRACTORS ENCOURAGE YOU TO STRAIGHTEN UP AND MOVE FOR WORLD SPINE DAY.

The development of this app has been supported by the CCA and all provincial associations.

Medical Compression Stockings

2012-07-21T15:18:00.000-04:00

Compression Stockings: Do I Need Them?

I received a question a couple of weeks ago from a 43 year-old man who was complaining about leg fatigue in general, but worse on the golf course. What surprised me was when this comparively young guy told me was having pain and swelling in his ankles and was using the golf cart instead of walking the course! I sent him off to his family doc for a vascular, that is, vein check-up, and he returned with a prescription for medical compression stockings. He is now feels much better and has walked the course in comfort, with no swelling.

Medical compression stockings have been up-dated in the past few years and are now even stylish to say the least. This case illustrates that even young-ish men can wear them in style.

They come in socks, stockings (knee, thigh-high and full), and "preggers" for expectant mums with swollen feet, legs and ankles.

Here are some good reasons to consider compression stockings.

I have great legs but my ankles swell by the end of the day!

I have big tortuous varicose veins all over my legs!

I am an expectant mom and my legs ankles and feet hurt and swell!

My legs and ankles swell when I fly (in an airplane)

I am over 40 and my legs/ankles seem to be swelling!

I have a history of deep vein thrombosis

I have diabetes. Can compression stockings save my legs?

I sit all day at work, and by the end of the day my legs are swollen!

I have been told that I need compression stockings!

If you fall into one of the above categories, you may be a candidate for Gradient Compression Hosiery, or Compression Stockings.

How do you know?...

· If your ankles swell

· your calves ache, and your feet and legs are tired and fatigued

· you have varicose veins

· you sit or stand for long periods of time

· over 40

· have a history of DVT's or blood clots in your legs

· are diabetic

· are an expectant mother

· you want to prevent vein problems

· have a family history of vein disorders

· have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or lymphoedema

· are receiving cancer treatments

...You might be a candidate.

How can gradient compression stockings help?

Gradient compression stockings...

Deliver a controlled amount of pressure to the legs

Support the venous and lymphatic system and prevent poor circulation

· Promote better venous blood flow which in turn helps prevent and control vein-related diseases

Most health plans cover gradient compression stockings on the prescription of your doctor.

Keyes to Health is certified distributor of Gradient Compression Hosiery. We will measure your legs and provide you with excellent selection and value. Please call our clinic today to make an appointment. 905.420.1248

2012-05-23T15:01:00.000-04:00

A Foot for all Seasons

2012-05-23T14:48:00.003-04:00

Recently, there have been a lot of people asking me about custom orthotics. I presume that it is due to the season: the warm weather is here and people are out and about, walking, jogging, hiking, golfing, playing soccer etc.

To start with, orthotics come in all shapes and sizes. Some, like the sport orthotic or the superflex are more generic. Others, like the runner's orthotic, golfer's orthotic, soccer cleat orthotic are highly specfic to the footwear type and the demands of the activity.

What are Custom Orthotics?

(click image to see a short video)

Orthotics are devices inserted into your footwear used to control abnormal foot function. When the foot is not functioning correctly, painful areas result. Pain can be in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips and/or the low back. A custom orthotic device can relieve that pain by offering support to the ligaments and the bone structures of the feet providing support all the way up the kinetic chain. Keyes To Health Custom Orthotics (inserts, shoes and sandals) can be constructed specifically to correct foot mechanics. Keyes To Health Custom Orthotics can relieve arch and heel pain while properly aligning the body from the feet up. At Keyes To Health’s Pickering, ON clinic, we offer the State of the art precision custom-made orthotic medical appliances for maximum support and function.

How are Custom Orthotics different from store-bought insoles?

Most store-bought gel and fabric insoles may provide some padding, but do not address the underlying mechanical imbalances and support structures of your feet. Your foot is unique, and pre-fabricated devices are not customised to your foot. At Keyes To Health, your walking pattern, called your gait, is analysed using a computerised digital scanning system and that information, combined with a detailed health history and physical examination of your feet is used to design a customized orthotic appliance. The orthotic appliances are milled to your exact specifications at an orthotic lab located in Ontario.

What conditions can Custom Orthotics help?

Custom Orthotics are most helpful with foot and foot-related conditions. If you have bunions, flat or pronated feet, knee pain, ankle pain, hip pain or low back pain you may benefit from custom orthotics. We also have spealcial orthotics for arthritic and diabetic patients. Custom orthotics can be helpful for getting active. Many people who avoid otherwise healthy activity because of pain may find that they can exercise again once they have custom orthotics. Young and the young at heart may rediscover the renewed energy that comes with walking and exercise once they are fitted with custom orthotics.

What type of footwear can I wear with Custom Orthotics?

Custom Orthotics are compatible with almost all footwear types. There are orthotics for casual, work or sports shoes, safety boots, fancy dress shoes, runner’s shoes, court shoes, golf shoes, as well as specially designed orthotics for ski and snowboard boots, and hockey and figure skates.

How long will my Custom Orthotics last?

Your Custom Orthotics from Keyes To Health should last at least one year, perhaps up to 2 or 3 years depending on use. Extreme athletes will wear their orthotics harder than casual walkers and likely require more frequent replacements. Your feet may change over time and this too will necessitate an update.

Is there a warranty on my custom orthotics from Keyes To Health?

Absolutely! We want your Custom Orthotics to work for you. If they are not comfortable we will modify and/or refit them within the 90 day period after they have been dispensed to you. There is also a no charge follow up at the end of the two weeks period after the orthotics have been dispensed.

Do group benefit plans cover the cost of my Custom Orthotics?

Yes they do, although each plan has different amounts and rules and regulations. Please contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage. The Keyes To Health Clinic has a list of specific questions to ask your insurance provider. Please contact the clinic for this list. To ease reimbursement, upon payment, Keyes To Health will provide you with a copy of the examination findings, the computerised Gait Scan report, the diagnosis, a detailed statement outlining the type and number of custom orthotics and of course the cost amount. Some plans require a third party prescription which you may need to obtain from your family doctor.

How do I make an appointment at Keyes to Health?

Simply click on the following link and request an appointment online, or call the clinic at 905.420.1248 in Pickering, ON.

KeyesToHealth@bellnet.ca

2011-03-29T18:35:00.001-04:00

THE 7-DAY BACK PAIN CURE

One of the main reasons people consult with me is to find out how best to treat their back pain and sciatica. Of course chiropractors are consulted for a wide variety of muscle and joint conditions, but back pain and sciatica are #1. I am always looking for ways to give more to my patients, and a couple of days ago I came across this FREE book full of advice and techniques to relieve back pain and help keep it under control. This book is not just an electronic downloadable book, but an actual hard copy book that is shipped to you and you can keep on the shelf so that you can refer to it again and again. This free book is called The 7-day Back Pain Cure, which might be a bit of a stretch, literally, but it is full of excellent advice and guidance to help you solve and prevent your back pain.

To get the book, just click on the link banner below. The author, Jesse Canonne, is knowledgeable and thorough. He also donates a small amount in your name to Habitat for Humanity, or Kiva if you order his book, and there is some info about that on the page after you click the banner.

I hope that this book helps to solve your back pain. Please note, though, that the book is not a substitute for professional advice from a chiropractor or physician. You can make an appointment with me, Dr. Keyes, for example, by following the link to http://www.keyestohealth.com/ on this blog.

All the best in your search for back pain relief.

What Good is Chiropractic?

2010-11-23T15:24:00.001-05:00

What are some of the conditions chiropractic may be able to help you with?

While Chiropractic care has been shown to correct mechanical low back pain and is in fact better than any other combined or individual form of treatment, Chiropractors take care of a lot more than back pain. Read on and find out how Chiropractic can help you.

Recently, we received a phone call from a patient who was calling to cancel her appointment. At the time, she had been receiving chiropractic care for her chronic migraine headaches, with excellent results, I might add. When asked why she was cancelling, she responded that just that afternoon she had strained her neck and had to go to the doctor. At that point, I was called to the phone to speak with her about her neck pain. After some questioning about the pain to make sure that it was not catastrophic, I asked her why she was not coming in so that I could treat her neck pain? She answered, "I thought you only treated the bones. This is a muscle problem!"

Where did I go wrong, I thought. How did I fail to inform her at the beginning that Chiropractors were expert in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain? That is, the joints, the muscles and indeed the nerves are all intertwined, and function as a unit. Chiropractors deal with muscles, nerves and joints (and tendons and bursas and ligaments!)

From that point forward, I made it my plan to let everyone know when to visit the Chiropractor. So in case I have forgotten to inform you, here is a list of the kinds of musculoskeletal problems Chiropractors can help you with.

· Neck pain, whether you sprained or strained it at home, in a car accident or at work.

· Back pain, that is upper, middle or lower back pain.

· Pain in your joints, such as shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, hip, ankle, feet or hands.

· Pain in your arms or in your legs

· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

· Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

· Frozen shoulder

· Tennis elbow or Golfer's elbow,

· Foot pain including plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, pes planus (flat feet) and bunions

· Headaches, such as from tension, migraines or sinus

· WSIB claims and Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (coverage is immediate)

· Custom Orthotics for painful, achy, tired feet

You do not need a prescription from your family doctor for most of the health services at Keyes To Health, including for accident coverage or workers comp.

If you have a pain complaint that is not on the list, or if you have pain and have been wondering what to do about it, please contact the clinic by phone or email and we will let you know if it something we can help you with.

Also, feel free to pass this newsletter on to your friends, neighbours, collegues and family members, as they may be looking for relief from pain too.

The Staff and Therapists at Keyes To Health are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive professional care and courteous treatment for your health complaints.

Healthy Eating and Weight Loss

2010-10-20T00:15:00.004-04:00

Many patients who come to see me have concerns about their weight. Some people have a family history of poor health and are concerned about maintaining healthy weight throughout their lives. Others are overweight; many of these patients have health conditions associated with excessive weight: diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure are some common ones. Arthritis and pain, especially in the weight-bearing areas of the body such as the back, the hips, and the knees are commonly experienced by people carrying excessive weight.

If you're someone who is overweight with health challenges, you'll probably feel somewhat powerless to change your circumstances. Often, you know that you need to make changes, both in diet and exercise. You probably know what it is you need to do, but feel overwhelmed by the mere thought of it. Busy schedules with work, family, children and other obligations make it hard to find the time to think about making changes to your diet, let alone implement new changes. So you go on with your life, wishing you could make the changes, and feeling guilty about not doing it.

However, help is at hand...
I want to tell you about one of my health mentors, Dr. Joseph Mercola, a medical physician from Chicago. I have been studying his work and insights, and following his advice for years. Here is what he has to say:

"Failure to address underlying factors of obesity, diabetes, chronic disease, and weight and health issues will not result in successfully eliminating the problem. You simply cannot take short cuts when it comes to your health. I'm going to ask you to do yourself a favor today: ditch fad diets and stop looking for one. Turn your back on those weight-loss programs, supplements, and deceptive cure-alls that emphasize deprivation and starvation. Start taking control of your health today"

Dr. Mercola is of course right. The problem I find most people have is knowing where to start. In his recent book, Total Health Breakthrough, Mercola recommends:

"Start with what you eat. The type and quality of your food will have a profound influence on your weight and health. "

"Over 20 years in the making, my Total Health Program is anchored on the 6 Essentials, which wonderfully encompass food choices, your specific biochemistry, your emotional well-being, and your lifestyle approach."

"This book will take you on a transformative path utilizing 150 delicious, healthy, and grain-free recipes. This collection is a "unique mix of classic and traditional, American and international fare, with both healthy gourmet and down-home influences." These recipes will not only cater to your palate, but will also encourage you to eat according to your specific Nutritional Type." and, "Speaking of Nutritional Type, do you know yours? Or do you subscribe to diet plans that disregard your own specific biochemistry?"

Please take the time to review Dr. Mercola's unique program. You will find his program interesting to read and his evidence compelling. Take the first step towards achieving your optimal weight, eating the right foods for your body type, getting back your energy and feeling good again. Click on this link or the picture below and you will be taken to Dr. Mercola's Health Breakthrough page.

I thoroughly endorse this product!

Yours in good health,
Dr. Warren Keyes

Check out Watch The Video: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

2010-10-18T00:18:00.003-04:00

Hi,
I want you to take a look at : The Video: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. This is a very inspiring lecture by university professor Randy Pausch. He recorded this months before his untimely death from Pancreatic Cancer, which is incidenlty the same cancer that took the life of my stepsister, Erin in 2009. You never know what is lurking around the next corner. The thing is, and the video shows this, is that how you feel may not tell you anything about how sick you are. When you see the video, you will understand what I mean. Watch it through to the end. If you are inspired in some way by what he says, which I think you will be, pass it on. You may also donate to my Ride to Conquer Cancer, by visiting my website at http://www.keyestohealth.com/ and following the links to the Ride. Also, don't forget to live your live to the fullest.
Thanks,

Dr. Warren Keyes

Quit Smoking!

2010-10-05T10:11:00.002-04:00

As a chiropractor, I am mostly concerned with the function of your musculo-skeletal system. But it may come as a surprise to many people that chiropractors are actually concerned with your over-all health and well being. When your body parts, ie. muscles, joints, ligaments tendons and nerves all work in synchrony, you are able to participate fully in activites that improve your health. So it is no surprise that we would be concerned with whether or not you smoke. Smokers as a group sprial down the health charts at a much faster pace than their non-smoking counterparts. The one thing that keeps us going, is our ability to keep on going. In that respect, smokers are severely comprimised.

So what can be done to help people get smoke-free and remain smoke-free? One study from 2004 showed some good results for hypnotherapy. The study even looked at whether they were still smoking at 12 months after the hypnotherapy, and found good results. Here is a summary of the study:

21 patients received individualised hypnosis for smoking cessation over three sessions. 81% reported they had stopped smoking completely and 48% reported abstinence for at least 12 months post-treatment. 95% of patients were satisfied with the treatment they received.

From 'Clinical Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation: Prelimimary Results of a Three-Session Intervention' by Gary R. Elkins and M. Hasan Rajab in 'The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis', January 2004.

Even though it was a small study, the results are encouraging.

What I like about hypnosis is that it is non-drug. It really just helps you to do what you already know you need to do. I have found a self-hypnosis program that you can do on your own at your convenience. You can download it to your computer or smart phone, and away you go. While I cannot guarantee or take responsibility that this programme will make you smoke-free ( that is up to you), what I do know is that for the cost of 3 or four packs of smokes, you may be able to save yourself a couple of thousand dollars a year once you become smoke free! Imagine that! Click the smoke-free link and check it out: Smoke Free!

Another quit smoking hypnosis link can be found by clicking here: Quit smoking now!

If you want to try something different, check this out (it is not hypnotherapy): Quit yesterday!

Best wishes on being smoke-free!

Dr Keyes

Keyes To Health, Dr. Warren Keyes: Free Initial Consultation for Feeding The Need in ...

2010-10-04T17:14:00.000-04:00

Keyes To Health, Dr. Warren Keyes: Free Initial Consultation for Feeding The Need in ...: "Hello and welcome to our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Last year we started collecting food for the local food bank at this time of year...."

Free Initial Consultation for Feeding The Need in Durham Region

2010-10-04T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Last year we started collecting food for the local food bank at this time of year. The generosity of our local residents and patients was so overwhelming that we have continued to receive donations all year long. It seems that every three or four weeks our bin has to be emptied. Thanks to everyone.

This year, the need for food items is no less than before; in fact it is greater. I understand that 40% of foodbank recipients are children. Imagine that. Look at your kids or grandkids and imagine!

As we did last year, we are giving away free initial consutations to new patients in exchange for a bag of food bank donations. Just bring in a bag of non-perishable items, or some personal hygeine products etc and we will gladly return the favour with a complementary 45 minute case history and examination, usually a $60.00 value.

Thanks for your generous help. For more information, please contact us through our website at http://www.keyestohealth.com/, or call 905.420.1248.

Conquer Cancer by Riding Your Bike!

2010-09-21T19:15:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since my last post, but now that summer is over it is time to get working again. Some readers of our blog may know about my involvement in the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Ride To Conquer Cancer. For the past 3 years I have been either providing chiropractic care for riders during the ride, or actually riding the route from Toronto to Hamilton to Niagara. The next ride is not until June 2011, but now is the time for riders to sign-up. In fact, there is a limit to the number of registered riders permitted to participate, and rider recruitment is very active now; there are many ads on the radio encouraging people to sign-up to ride. Last year, $15Million was raised!

So this year, we have a clinic team, called, as you might expect, Team Keyes To Health. To officially register, you need to go to the official website of the ride, and from there, register, and join our great team! It's only 200km over 2 days, with an overnight beer and food stop at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON. Visit the Keyes To Health website by clicking right here for the sign-up link. If you have any questions, please blog or send me an email.

2009-11-22T02:21:00.000-05:00

What is Chiropractic Care good for? Recently we received a call from a prospective patient asking about treatment for her sore neck. The receptionist answered that a consultation with the chiropractor could help get to the bottom of her problem. The caller replied, "oh, its not a bone problem, it's a muscle problem".

While it may very well have been a muscle or a bone problem, it is the case that chiropractors treat both! Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to assess how well the joints of the body are functioning. A joint, comprises two bones coming together, and their related muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Malfunctioning joints can cause considerable pain, in the back, the neck or anywhere. After a comprehensive health history and physical examination, the chiropractor is able to diagnose the source of the problem. If it is related to the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, chances are the chiropractor can help relieve the pain.

So whether you think it is just a muscle or just a bone, please trust your chiropractor to arrive at an explanation of the problem and provide you with a solution. At Keyes To Health, treatment is only performed after you have given your informed consent; that is, the doctor has explained the problem and the treatment to your satisfaction.

Lift Light, Shovel Right

2009-11-17T08:16:00.000-05:00

Just in case you are getting over "leaf rakers back", get ready! Snow shoveller's back is on its way. I strongly suggest you download this helpful brochure before the snow flies!

The OCA’s Lift Light, Shovel Right campaign was developed in 2003 to help inform the public about the risks associated with clearing snow, after a Pollara survey of 500 Ontario chiropractors concluded that snow shoveling was a leading cause of back injury during the winter months.
The program now features a full-colour tri-fold brochure and an accompanying poster for display.

Click here to view the brochure.

Feed The Need in Durham Region, Ontario

2009-11-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Dear Keyes To Health members and friends in the community,

I have some great news to share with you. For a little while I have been thinking about ways to give back to the local community in Pickering. Recenly, we made contact with an agency called "Feed the Need in Durham". They are the umbrella organisaton which collects and supplies food banks. I am pleased to let you know that our clinic has been approved as a drop-off location for Feed the Need in Durham.

What that means is that we now have a big barrel for collecting donations. The Director of the agency, Sandy Brittain, gave me a list of items that are in need:

These include non-perishable food items, personal care items such as soap, tissues, toilet paper, and in fact anything that people might need around the house during the upcoming winter season.

The economy has left the foodbank shelves wanting, with many people out of work and in debt, and as such many kitchen cupboards running low and many little bellies with little food.

Please consider dropping off an item or two to the clinic either on your next visit or if just passing-by.

Please also send this newsletter off to your local friends and neighbours to let them know where they can bring donation items. You can do that by using the send button on the bottom of the page or just send them an email with our clinic location info. Our location information is under the "contact us" tab at the top of the webpage.

If you would like to contact Feed The Need in Durham directly, their website is www.ftndurham.ca.

Thank you all so much for you generosity by considering a food or item donation!

Dr Warren J Keyes and Staff